CHCC Vets win TWO Grand Finals!

25 Feb

CHCC Vets Navy 7/187 def STC South Camberwell 123

Having successfully negotiated an early start time, a rare win at the coin toss enabled Clifton Hill Navy to bat first and stay ahead of the weather. The openers built a strong platform against quality bowling and field setting from Sth Camberwell, with 32 from Chris Schurmann and a resolute 40(no) from Matt Aulich. A critical partnership by John Pace 41(no) and Rob Collier (38 off just 30 balls) then took Navy to a very competitive total of 187.

Quality opening bowling from Nick Sanders (1/23) and Peter Pavan (0/21) built early pressure which Ron Hoppenbrouwer (3/3) and man of the match Matt Aulich (4/17) capitalised on with terrific bowling, including three stumpings by Chris Schurmann, to drive Navy towards a match winning position. After some lower order resistance, and under ever darkening skies, late wickets from Rob Collier (1/10) and Pete Barron (1/6) sealed the win and a much deserved, hard fought Div 2 premiership for Clifton Hill (Navy).

CHCC Vets Maroon 8/193 def Nth Balwyn 153

Vets Maroons made it the over 50s premiership double with a comprehensive 40 run victory over the Bulls last Sunday. After winning the toss and batting under grey skies and with rain forecast, we got off to a great start with both skipper Sal and Hoops making 40’s well supported by Fletch (32), Jonesy (19), and Greg (19) all at brisk strike rates given we didn’t lose a wicket until the 26th over and with nearly 140 on the board. The batting was full of attacking intent and pressure running between wickets were highlights of the innings.

Light rain rolled in at the start of the Bulls innings but play went on and they struggled against the tight lines bowled by Harro, Hoops, Tucci and Kevvie which resulted in the opposition falling off the run rate early to be 2-46 after 12 overs. Player of the match Mark “the wicket machine” Jones came on in tandem with Greg and further turned the screws. Jonesy ended up with 4/24 off six excellent overs of leg spin and by the 24th over the Bulls were out of the match at 7/100. Some late order risk saw them pull a few back and luckily the heavier rain held off until the end.

It’s fair to say the GF was our best all round performance of the year, if not since this group has been together. There were three excellent catches by Tucci, Hodgy, and Greg that epitomised the standards in our fielding. Deano, Belly, and Hammer were excellent in boundary riding roles which cut 2’s into 1 and restricted many boundaries.

Special thanks to Ralph, Pete and Danny who missed the GF and to all 17 players who participated this year. To Sal and Jonesy, thank you from all of us for your leadership and enthusiasm.

Senior Men’s & Women’s Finals!

Senior Women

The senior women finished the regular season with a strong win against Mitcham and having finished 3rd will play a semi-final against Preston Druids on the 1st of March.

Senior Men

The men’s 1st XI have locked in a home final on the Labour Day Long Weekend. Pencil in the date now and get down to support the team as they aim to play off in a grand final!

Three Junior Finals!

THREE Junior teams are playing semi-finals this week!

U16A are playing Camberwell at Stradbroke Park on Thu and Fri evenings (26 & 27th)
U16C are playing BUCC at Lynden Park on Friday 27 Feb
U14B are playing Camberwell at Hislop Park on Thu and Fri evenings (26 & 27th)